Over the last several weeks, we've been going over tips to plan your wedding so that you and your guests both enjoy the special day. A photographer's job is to observe and capture the moments that help you relive that day. These posts reflect my observations and hopefully will assist you in the planning of your wedding. If you've missed the first few posts, you can find them here: Part I or Part II. 

In order to make this easier based on the type of wedding you're having, we'll break things out according to outdoor and indoor venues. 

Outdoor Ceremonies and Receptions:

As you know hosting any kind of event outdoor (especially in Wyoming) can be a challenge and I'm sure you already know some of the logistics when it comes to having an outdoor event, but just in case, here's a friendly reminder:

• Be Practical! I know this seems silly but as I've mentioned above, be practical no matter what venue you host your event at. If it's outdoors, don't wear any kind of heel. Heels can sink into dirt and grass and make it so you or your bridesmaids risk falling or twisting an ankle. A majority of the time people won't see your shoes anyways so pick something cute but comfortable and always have a backup pair. Better yet, inform your guests about the terrain and suggest they dress accordingly as well. 

• Say no to aisle runners. Aisle runners are beautiful but dangerous. Yes they give you the fairy tale wedding atmosphere, but on grass, gravel or dirt, they can just become a tripping hazard. People typically end up tiptoeing around them rather than enjoying the moment. I recommend just skipping them. 

• Musicality Defined. Let's be honest, the last thing anyone wants to do is have to scream over the top of all the guests and weather elements to thank guests, give speeches..Etc. Even more importantly, your guests don't want to listen to music played from your I-pod or smartphone. Although it can be pricey, hiring a professional DJ can make it so your guests not only can hear the festivities but also don't hear wind whistling through the entire system. 

• Room, room, and more room.  You need to make space for your most important relatives, your bridal party, your officiant, and of course yourself.  I personally use the extra room so I can not only stay out of everyone's way but it's more so important because it allows the first row of guests to feel like they don't have to worry about their toes getting stepped on. The greatest thing about outdoor ceremonies is that you have the ability to spread out and make room for everyone. 

• Here comes the sun! It may seem ridiculous to a lot of people to take the location of the sun into consideration. I've seen (and shot) weddings where the entire ceremony and reception was held in the pure sunlight.  Not only did it make for some interesting photographs but it also made enjoying the festivities difficult for the guests.  Being blinded by the sun and or sweating in places you've never even imagined, is not really something people want to experience..especially at a wedding.  If you are out in full sunlight for the ceremony, consider putting the sunlight to one side of your ceremony area, possibly putting the light on the bride's side so that it is to her back during the ceremony.  This will flatter the bride and make it so guests don't have to stare directly into the sun to see the ceremony.  

• Hide N' Seek: Some brides are traditional and don't want to be seen before the ceremony, which is perfectly fine with us, but we encourage you to find a place to keep yourself hidden until the processional.  

• Weather: As mentioned above, Wyoming is notorious for having crazy weather. Having a backup plan in the off chance of inclement weather could really make or break your day.  Don't wait until the day of the ceremony to make your plan. Set up a time for yourself to develop your Plan B. 

• All of the lights. No matter what type of event you're having or where; you have to have lights. Consider putting lights near bathrooms, the bar, the bridal party table, and of course ask your DJ about bringing lights for the dance floor. It can dark really fast and you want to be prepared to see no matter what the situation is. 

Indoor Ceremonies and Receptions:

• Lights, Camera, Action! Think about how light fills the room and how light can effect the ambiance of a venue.  A lot of hotels have that fluorescent lighting which can make for some really interesting photos.  If you aren’t happy with the lighting your venue has, consider adding different types of light to create a different mood.  Personally, I’m a huge fan of natural light that creates that fresh clean feeling!

• Speaking of lighting,  as mentioned above,  make sure your DJ has lights included in their set-up so that you can add some ambiance to the dance floor! In addition, photographer can’t focus their cameras in complete darkness, so there does need to be a little bit of light.

• Décor. Please, please, please take into consideration that photographers want and make a point to photograph is the head table during toasts. Due to this, consider the décor you put on the head table.  If there are a bunch of tall decorations in front of you, your guests (and your photographer) have a hard time seeing the bridal party. It can also make for some harsh shadows in the photographs.

Thanks for stopping by today! 

Be married my friends!